Funding strengthens B.C.’s system of substance-use treatment, recovery care (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions

Communications
778 584-3474

Backgrounders

What people are saying

Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer, Vancouver Coastal Health –

“This investment will enable us to both broaden and strengthen the continuum of care for people accessing treatment for substance-use disorder in our region. Irrespective of where an individual is on their journey to recovery, our services will be further equipped to deliver compassionate and respectful care. As the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the harms associated with the poisoned drug supply, it is a pivotal time to take additional actions to address barriers to accessible quality care.”

Fiona Dalton, president and CEO, Providence Health Care –

“St. Paul’s Hospital cares for some of the most high-risk patient populations in the region. In recent years, the provincial government has made important investments at the hospital to address the needs of those needing mental wellness and substance use supports, such as investments into our Mental Health HUB and the Rapid Access Addictions Clinic, but challenges remain in providing peer supports to patients and transitioning them to community settings that best address their needs. This major investment will improve and save lives of patients in our hospitals, the Lower Mainland and the whole province.”

Mark Haggerty, peer navigator, St. Paul’s Hospital’s Rapid Access Addiction Clinic –

“Only someone with lived experience can understand addiction. People are apprehensive for many reasons when they come to the hospital, so seeing someone who looks like you, or understands you, or has been where you’ve been immediately puts them at ease.”

 Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health –

“Everyone impacted by mental health and addictions has a unique experience, requiring supports that are flexible and personalized to their wellness journey. Having the ability to meet individual needs is important when setting treatment goals. This investment will go a long way toward creating new options and strengthening the continuum of care throughout the Interior Health region.”

Jacqueline Roth, a person with lived experience working as a life skills worker for Interior Health who is completing her bachelor’s degree in addiction counselling –

“This is a wonderful opportunity to help people. Not all drug use is problematic and not everyone needs inpatient treatment. Recovery looks different for everyone. We need flexible options, including more counselling and safe supply. We need improved access, better followup care and help with transitions. When I was trying to get into treatment, I had a home with access to a phone and the internet and a supportive family, but still faced barriers like wait times, expenses and travel. I had to call a facility every day over a two-week period to try to get a spot. I hope today’s announcement will mean improved access to a wide range of supports so people in addiction find it much easier to get the help they are seeking.”

Kathy MacNeil, president and CEO, Island Health –

“We know it takes a continuum of care to support people in reaching their recovery goals. Investments like this support teams in creating new services and enhancing existing ones to better meet our client’s needs.”  

Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health –

“Unfortunately, the overdose public health emergency continues to take a significant toll across our region. These diverse treatment and recovery services will provide tailored supports throughout the continuum of people’s care journeys.”

Cathy Ulrich, CEO, Northern Health –

“This funding will strengthen the continuity of care and reduce gaps for those in need. We appreciate the collaborative approach being taken to better respond to people experiencing mental-health or substance-use challenges, and look forward to working with all our partners to create timely connections to appropriate services.”